Bio: Tompkins, Ezra (1838 - ?)

Contact: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Tompkins, Maxwell

----Source: Biographical History of, Clark and Jackson Counties Wisconsin, Lewis Publishing Company., Chicago, 1891.

EZRA TOMPKINS, a farmer, residing on section 27, Pine Valley Township, two miles from Neillsville, Wisconsin was born July 13, 1838, in Millville, New York, son of John and Sophia Tompkins, both natives of that State. He attended the district schools of the county in which he resided, but his educational advantages were limited, as the greater part of the year he was compelled to labor for the support of those who were dependent upon him. When a mere boy he began to lay the foundation for his own fortune, His first work was in the lumber business on the Kennebec River, where be received only seventy five cents per day. After being thus employed for several years be came to Wisconsin, in 1856, and settled at Wedge's Creak, Clark County. The same year he came to Clark County, where for two years he made his home with his brother, both working in a lumber camp.

January 20, 1857, Mr. Tompkins married Alice A. Maxwell, who was born at Ballston Spa, Saratoga County, New York, in 1839. Three children have been born to them: Fred Bee, Effie Carr and Morton L. They are all being educated in the district schools of Clark County. When he was married our subject had but little means; but with a cheerful companion to share with him the burdens and joys of life, he went to work with renewed energy to make a home, and he is now the owner of a nice eighty acre farm. In the early days of their housekeeping their furniture was of a rude sort, but the happiness of that pioneer home was none the less genuine on that account. Wooden benches answered for chairs, and the table on which their daily food was spread was made of rough lumber that Mr. Tompkins dressed himself.

In the spring of 1883 Mr. Tompkins went to California with a view of purchasing land, but decided that it would prove an unprofitable investment for him, He returned to Wisconsin the same year. and expects to make Clark County his permanent home. He is a member of the L O. O. F., and in politics is a Republican. His father and mother are both deceased.

1870 Federal Census, 2 June, Levis Township, Wisconsin, United States, pg. 3, dwelling 26, family 18 by Edward E. Merritt

Ezra Tompkins, white, male

Household Members
Ezra Tompkins M 31y New York
Alice A Tompkins F 30y New York
Frederick B Tompkins M 11y Wisconsin
Euphenia Tompkins F 4m Wisconsin

1880 Federal Census, Levis, Clark, Wisconsin, United States

Ezra Tompkins, married, American, male
marital status : Married
occupation : Lumbering/Farm
spouse's birthplace : New York, United States
father's birthplace : New York, United States
mother's birthplace : New York, United States

Household Members
self Ezra Tompkins M 41 New York, United States
wife Alice Tompkins F 40 New York, United States
son Fred Tompkins M 21 Wisconsin, United States
daughter-in-law Lillian Tompkins F 20 Wisconsin, United States
daughter Effie Tompkins F 10 Wisconsin, United States
son Morten Tompkins M 1 Wisconsin, United States
other Burt Broughson M 18 Wisconsin, United States
other May Barto F 22 Wisconsin, United States
other Eunice Decker F 23 Wisconsin, United States

1910 Federal Census, Pine Valley, Clark, Wisconsin, family 111, pg. 6

Ezra Tompkins, white, widowed, male
father's birthplace: New York
mother's birthplace: New York

Household Members
self Moot Tompkins M 30y Wisconsin
wife Rose Tompkins F 31y Wisconsin
son David Tompkins M 8y Wisconsin
daughter Aline Tompkins F 3y California
father Ezra Tompkins M 72y New York